Three of Cape Town’s most beautiful beaches are hidden just a few minutes from the City Centre. Clifton is divided into 4 small beaches – each with its own unique character and atmosphere. If you are looking for a meal or snack, head to Camps Bay. Several restaurants and cafes make it very popular. Llandudno beach is quieter – almost undiscovered – with wonderful mountain views and crystal clear water.

Clifton, Camps Bay and Llandudno are some of the most magical beaches you will ever come across. They are conveniently close to town but yet a thousand miles away.

Clifton becomes the playground of Cape Town’s rich as beautiful yachts anchor here over summer weekends. The beach has long been South Africa’s most exclusive with some of the most expensive real estate on the African continent. It’s divided by rocks into 4 separate beaches which can be reached by steep steps from Victoria Road. Over low tide they become one – and it’s a pleasant walk from one corner to the other.

First and Second beaches are popular among families with beach entertainment for the young at heart.  A popular Clifton tradition is picnic on 3rd or 4th beach on a hot summers evening – take a blanket, a few candles and enjoy the fresh sea breeze while counting the stars. Whenever you go there, and whatever beach you choose  - make sure you get there, because this is Cape Town at its best.

Camps Bay’s Victoria road is lined with palm trees, cafes and restaurants–  and definitely the place to be seen on a hot summers day. The beach rates one of the top 10 in South Africa, and is more commercialised than Clifton. This is the place to sit back and relax while watching the rich diversity of South African society. Excellent restaurants serve some of the best food in Cape Town. For an unforgettable sunset take a blanket and relax on Camps Bay beach as the sun sets perfectly over the ocean.

When evening approaches head for the Theatre On the Bay which hosts some excellent productions in one of the best locations in Cape Town. A quite walk through the streets and suburb of Camps Bay is also a nice way to end your day.

Visit the scenic Oudekraal Picnic spot with its barbeque and picnic facilities, located halfway between Camps Bay and Llandudno. This spot is popular among local families and a bit off the beaten track as not many tourists are aware of it.

Llandudno beach is a little piece of paradise. The beach is much quieter than Clifton and Camps Bay and the ocean as beautiful as the rest. Its a place to relax and wind down. A place of simplicity and beautiful scenery. Before you turn right towards Llandudno, stop off Victoria road for the most incredible views over Llandudno and little Lions Head mountain: This must be one of Cape Town’s most beautiful stretches of coastline - spectacular mountains meet the crystal clear Atlantic.

Travel tip The Atlantic beaches are almost always protected from the south eastern wind, but take note: the sea is freezing here and you wont get much swimming in – at least not for longer than five or ten minutes at a time. If you’re looking for swimming, head to Strand beach situated on False Bay – but not on a windy day. Hermanus is probably the first beach which temperature compares good to warm beaches further up the country.

How to get there

From the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) (Corner of Buitengracht and Coen Steytler Ave) you have two options to reach the Atlantic beaches: Via Kloof Nek or Sea Point.

Kloof Nek Take Buitengracht (becoming Kloof Nek Road) towards the Mountain. The road cuts through Table Mountain and Lions Head and becomes Camps Bay Drive, circling all the way to Camps Bay. Once you reach Victoria road, turn left for Llandudno or right for Clifton. Llandudno is about a 15-20 minute drive from Camps Bay (you will see Oudekraal picnic spot on your right hand side.) You need to turn right off Victoria into Llandudno Road. Follow the signs to Llandudno beach.

Sea Point  Take the M6 (Western Blvd) in a western direction towards Sea Point. The road becomes Beach Road and runs beautifully along the ocean - missing the traffic through Sea Point’s Main Road. Continue all the way and turn left in Queens Road and right into Victoria road. Continue in Victoria Road for Clifton and beyond.

Travel checklist

• Experienced Clifton beach 
• Summer evening picnic, Clifton  
• Spent the day on Camps Bay 
• Watched a show at the Theatre on the Bay, Camps Bay 
• Stopped at Oudekraal picnic spot 
• Relaxed on Llandudno beach

Useful numbers

Theatre On the Bay 021 438 3301

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